Free Comic Book Day(FCBD) is back with a vengeance ... and a 50th Anniversary? of a vampire?

My god, mutant turtles!!!Burgers gone wild or is that Bob or both, a giant angry looking spider-like Spiderman?,the Avengers roster with Wolverine and Deadpool. a female time traveler!!!, Letters to the Justice League. All this plus Friendly Ghosts? Oooo...huhuhuhu...I'm scared. Very scared. The flash light is about to go out. Get a hold of yourself man...keep it together..whew!!! I only get this crazy twice a year. In May and again in October. I mean that I am literally stoked you bet. Why?

Because its!!!!

FCBD!!!!

ATTENTION everyone!!!!! Yes this Saturday May 4th... it is Free Comic Book Day!!!! and there are 51 exciting titles coming your way at most local participating comic book dealers across the nation .. so get ye to the Comic Book shop on time!!!! Sounds like that wedding song...something about the church on time... what if you forgot the ring... ummm hmm- nuff said!!!

I look forward to this every year. Which means it happens annually of course. FCBD (sounds like a Thunderbirds acronym-like FAB) it's the first Saturday in May. This year is no different and again I say the industry is boldly offering 51 titles.... all you have to do is show up. And again it's FREE!!! But where do you say? Remember just head over to your local comic book shop/dealer. Most of them are participating. (see below :end of article for shop locator)

Above : artwork for the 2019 T-Shirt by Derek Charm-Eisner Award winning artist and better known for his work on IDW's Star Wars Adventures.

This is a nationwide event. And it is very big deal. First off it promotes the major and independent publishers. There is always a special t shirt design being offered as well as a good old fashioned costume contest. And who does not like dressing up. Any excuse right? This year I am doing my deep dive as Captain Kirk . Yes I will be in uniform with my TOS phaser and bluetooth communicator. How's that for styling...? No I'mmmm Captain Kirk-I'm the Captain!-He's the imposter. Two to beam up Scotty. Set phasers on stun. Oh I'm sorry got just a little carried away. Back to earth. I will say if you some guy on a bike with several bags in his hands from various comic shops and he looks a little tuckered out. Well it's probably because I have been up since 6 am making my rounds. Somethings never change...

The second thing that FCBD does is promote literacy whether intentional or not. In fact a lot of schools across the country have made it appoint to inform the not only the students but parents as well when this event is about to take place. I had an English/Drama teacher who aside from being one of my favorites-Mrs Bear could not stress enough- I want you to read any and everything including comic books- and cover your eyes and ears even Playboy. Remember there are articles written by some very respectable journalists. I had my comic books with me everyday. Famous Monsters and Fangoria too. Her beliefs were to stimulate the mind- to dream and to live your dreams. She had a profound influence on me. I think of her often and the words of wisdom she parted on our class, to the others before and after me. In fact one of her students went on to become a film director and writer. He had three very successful cinematic pieces one that cleaned up at drive-ins across the country, especially in the south and then a story that to this day is considered one the best ghost stories of all time - Lady in White- actually based on a legendary White Lady of Durand Eastman Park. I am speaking of none other than Frank LaLoggia. Frank was so grateful to Mrs Bear for her encouragement and inspiration that he made a promise and he kept it. To return to Rochester and Webster upon making his first film. His other promise was that he would "grab" some of Mrs Bears current students and place them in the film ... Well I was fortunate to be in Mrs B's Drama class then -so up on the big screen I appeared. It was one the most fun times I ever had and a most fond memory. I share that here so that you can see just how much it means to have someone who appreciates not only her students but what helps motivate children,young adults..etc to live their dreams. And it is because of Mrs Bear that you're reading this very article. Those are the kind of teachers and role models we need. You will be missed.

A third piece of information to point out is that many of the comic book shops will be having special events and sales on various merchandise and back issues as well giving you a chance to look over the many new and current titles and series. Most of all be on the lookout for special guests. Last year -2018 I was able to meet one my favorite artists/writers, George Perez(The New Teen Titans & Wonder Woman). He had been invited to Smash Comics in Sanford, Florida which is right in my backyard. It meant a lot to me. Here was a guy who I had grown up reading his incredible works. Especially in the 70's when I was heavy into to judo and martial arts. Deadly Hands of Kung Fu was like the New York Times to me. I never missed an issue. It was there, that he brought to life in those very pages, the first Puerto Rican martial arts superhero- The White Tiger.

A little history before we dive into what you may find on those tables come Saturday morning and get there early... When I was a kid reading monster mags and comic books were starting to be ok to read. Parents thought it would keep us out trouble. But there was a time when kids would sneak reading there comics after hours... with a flashlight under the blankets and sheets well past midnight. More than likely the comics were kept under the bed or in a footlocker at the end of the bed. A firm punishment to any kid and a mots horrible one would be to take his collection away from him or her... for a period of time. Uhh the horror...ouch!!! Imagine if you were grounded and not allowed on your bike, not able to get to the drug store...or the "five and ten" oer even the local malt shop. Well back in the day that is where we would pick up our latest copies. There was no Diamond prevue mag or a comic book dealer that held onto back issues -so either you could reserve a copy or stumble in a week or 2 later and most likely still get a copy from a previous weeks releases.. You would simply miss out .. it would be years before these things would become a reality. And even longer for digital comics. But as we became older, able to make our own decisions and not worry about getting grounded for something- especially you joined the service-military service.

The men, they were keeping copies of Whiz, Captain Marvel, Superman, Batman and

Betty Boop in their service lockers right next to the pin ups.

Then comics slowly started to become part of our pop culture. By the 60's it was more prevalent. All one has to do is think Gomer Pyle and Goober on The Andy Griffith Show- they both were constantly bringing up comic book characters... even Herman Munster. That was my era-discovering Spiderman, Fantastic Four and Thor. At of all places my orthodontists office. I could not wait to. I would polish off one or 2 issues before I even made it the chair each time. Then I discovered comic book racks. You remember the ones that would spin around or you would spin it around.

Daws and Rite Aid drugstore was my stomping grounds. Detective Comics , Hot Stuff, Tarzan and Archies. Oh and the occasional Doctor Solar. Guess what, I still do my comic book reading late night, just like the old days. I just don't have to hide under the covers anymore.

Today's comic books and even the ones back in the 70's weren't and are not just a medium for "kids". The kids get the vibrant colors and the fancy costumes and the fun of characters like SpongeBob Squarepants, Little Lulu and Mickey Mouse(still a popular series now by IDW).

DC did some amazing stories with Green Lantern/Green Arrow run in the 70's tackling the Vietnam war and drugs.

Jump to now and we have DC with the Female Furies 2019 series highlighting sexual, mental and physical abuse towards women and how they deal with it. This story line with all female warriors, the fiercest in the galaxy.That includes any man. competing in gladiator type battles within the boundaries of the New Gods(creator-Jack Kirby) and of Darkseids' planet Apokolips- featuring Granny Goodness, Big Barda(Mister Miracles wife), Mad Harriet and Stompa. I the past they have and thru the years have gone from bad to good, from villain to hero. So comics are not just for the kids but for all "kids" of all ages. Sometimes with some very redeeming and important social messages.

On to the free comic books guys and gals.

Some of the issues are going to knock your socks off... Grumble vs The Goon ...courtesy of Albatross Funny Books. Goon is one of my favorite comic book characters. Created by Eric Powell. He is sarcastic, loves to gamble, looks a little like Palooka Joe/Popeye with a cap pulled over his eyes, has a mean punch and is our best hope against vanquishing the supernatural creatures that come to town to raise a little ... no not cash for a game of Dead Man's poker-H**# is what I'm saying. Yes I'm talking more than a little trouble. Big trouble like in Little China trouble. But Goon takes no **** from any one or any thing. Don't forget to stay more than arms length away because with Goon it's either a wrench or a bat. Oh and he don't like rats neither. So come on board for some dimension hopping when Talla and Eddie try to stay one step ahead of Death. All the while avoiding not to get caught by the newly appointed dog catcher in the world of Goon.

Above the cover art for FCBD Vampirella's 50th published by Dynamite

Vampirella's 50th Anniversary from Dynamite- with a lead in to a new story arc as well as pieces featuring work by the Forrest J Ackerman (creator of Vampirella and editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland 1958-1983) & Bruce Timm. This is considered #0 in a brand new story with a whole new creative team. So start here with this issue, follow the epic from beginning to end.

Below: nothing like a glass of ? to take the chill off...

She has been a busy vamp over the years. Spawning numerous collective books on just the art work alone and several covering the issues & stories all in tribute to the horror comic magazine she headlined. Created by Trina Roberts and Forrest J Ackerman. And released by Warren Publishing that ran from 1969, a staple of the 70's and thru early 80's. Harris Comics and then Dynamite Comics.Her lives seem infinite. Various incarnations as Vampi- a future version of our girl and Lil Vampi- a cutier alter ego- featuring Vampirella as her younger self. Her story itself, has not been an easy one. Hailing from the planet Drakulon. She is a cosmic traveler. At times struggling with her bloodlust, meeting Dracula and just trying to hang onto a boyfriend. I mean should I stake her or love her or is it both. And in her mind should I kiss or bite. It has got to be He...-you thought I was going to say something else. Hectic on the love life.

Some of the most famous artists and writers of our day have contributed to chronicling Vampirella's exploits both here on Earth and beyond. From Joe Jusko(Scotch Comics), Frank Frazetta(first issue-cover), Jose Gonz'alez, Nancy Collins(writer -Dynamite), Warren Miller , Amanda Conner, Julie Bell and Adam Hughes. Barely scratching the surface of the amount of talented people who have helped bring her to life. She is one I would love to have her crossover with DC say Zatanna , Constantine. or Swamp Thing. In fact she would be an amazing fit for my new characters and comic series I am developing.

Oh Casper the Friendly Ghost, the friendliest ghost I know....oh sorry got carried away. But really excited that American Mythology Productions is launching a new Casper series and this FCBD edition ties into the new series just last month. It boasts work by Eisner award winning artist Eric Shanower.

Rebellion/2000AD is going all out with Treasury of British Comics Presents Funny Pages. Providing a collection of some of the funniest comic shorts. Sneak inside this issue for Deadly Hedley The Vampire Detective, Birdman and Chicken-not quite your average superheroes, in fact quite the opposite. It's a wonder they can save the world, let alone themselves. A parody of Spielberg's ocean terror currently up from the depths: GUMS!!! and Sweeney Toddler. You'll be rollin in the aisle before you even get out of the store. So wait til you get home!

The above are just the highlights. Stranger Things, Riverdale, Longshot, Street Fighter, The Tick and the rest of the 51 titles can be found on the FCBD 2019 website. The site is active year round. So don't just make this your only visit this year. There is always some breaking news being bestowed there for us to soak up. Can't find shop? Just the handy shop search engine. Are you looking for something fun to do ? Guess what they are there to- with the drop down event category. Reviews and previews of the FCBD titles right from (see link bottom of article)

Man I am just so excited about this. I look forward to this every year. Which means it happens annually of course. FCBD (sounds like a Thunderbirds acronym-like FAB) it's the first Saturday in May. This year is no different and again I say the industry is boldly offering 51 titles.... all you have to do is show up. And again it's FREE!!! But where do you say? Remember just head over to your local comic book shop/dealer. Most of them are participating.

Here's a little encouragement from Cameron Cuffe, star of SCYFY's Krypton. He stated to get out and dive into the world of comics. Take advantage of Free Comic Book Day. He himself is huge comic book fan. On May 4th he will be hosting a Q & A discussing comics on his Twitter feed. I recently saw him on an episode of DC Daily as he sat down with the cast and chatted comics. He is just a super nice guy/person. No pun intended since he plays Superman's grandfather in the above mentioned TV series. The great thing about many of the recent and ongoing media productions is that many for the cast and crew of these films and series grew up reading ? What else comics. Just like I did. Oh and just wanted to let you all know-I will be writing for Everything Geek and their new entertainment website. So this won't be the last from me here.. it's just many of my lengthier articles will be showing up there. see link for the new website below.

Hey parents if your child got something sent home from school addressing FCBD bet thankful but give the school a call and let them know and the teachers themselves and if you are a teacher reading or a school representative you have this fall to do the same ..get the word out about Free Comic Book Day.

For events check with your local comic book dealer and shops. Many have a page are listed on Facebook. Plus Twitter. Also the link below has a find a shop search engine.

Oh one last thing no minis this year, but usually they are a traditional at the Halloween Comic Fest. It's the other day of the year with free comic books being offered by the comic book dealers and it is again national based on participation. Which is just about 6 months away...so be dangerous and diabolik! We will you see you back here -same Bat Time-same Bat Channel or Good night Miss Lee wherever you are...

May the 4th be with you..

Link below for full list of titles for FCBD and find a shop:

https://www.freecomicbookday.com/

Comic Book Store Locator:

https://www.comicshoplocator.com/StoreLocator

See Additional reading- digital comics & graphic novels available:

Hoopla- powered by your library card. sign up on line and register your library card and you are able to borrow digitally up to a total of 5 films/TV episodes, music and books (graphic novels & series collections ie DC - Batman Golden Age vol 1-4, Catwoman and Batgirls 50th Celebrations or how about the new Detective Comics 80th Anniversary. Along with novels/non fiction works and audio books ). Once you choose a title it's yours for 21 days total.

https://www.hoopladigital.com/my/hoopla

DC Universe streaming service- here you can find everything DC Comics including over 20,000 digital comics editions to be read on your pc, or apps via Roku, Apple TV and smart TVS and Bluray players with an awesome comic reader. Original series based on the vast DC characters including Titans, Doom Patrol and coming this month Swamp Thing all three are live action . But not all are .. animated and currently available; the first half of the third season of Young Justice -Outsiders-later this year look for the 2nd half and Harley Quinn in her own break out series. And if that was not enough ., live action /animated films & series -just added SYFY/DC first season of Krypton, 1966 Saturday morning The New Adventures of Superman and all new DC animated films will be available 2 weeks after there digital/streaming release.

Plus my favorite show every Monday thru Friday DC Daily for a deep dive into everything DC and DC news with an amazing cast-Clark Wolfe, Hector Navarro, John Kourounis, Brian Tong, Markeia McCarty, Amy Dallen, Whitney Moore, Harley Quinn Smith, Sam Humphries and Samm Levine and John Barrowman. Worthy to note a slew of special guests(Jim Lee, Paul Dini,Tara Strong ), comic book and film/TV discussions. Did I say contests.... well there I said it Contests-sweepstakes-giveaways.

https://www.dcuniverse.com/

Comixology:

a website owned and operated by Amazon. Offering digital editions of in print comics and graphic novels. Is a free site as in no membership required. But does offer an unlimited subscription with original exclusive content created by various publishers including Marvel and DC and others. as well as classic lines including Archie and IDW. not all product offered on site is part of the unlimited selection and content can change. Also there are many free comics including many FCBD titles, even ones that will be available at the comic book shops in print Saturday(tomorrow) will be offered here as well. There is the ability to share your comics with others also or gift comics to friends and family. Again there is a reader on the site as well as downloading the apps on various platforms inc Amazon's kindles. Which I use quite often. Especially to be able to blow up individual comic panels.

https://www.comixology.com/

New entertainment website offering news and articles on video gaming, comics, music, film, TV and more to come at Everything Geek-

https://everything-geek.com/